After a 12-year absence, one of the most anticipated, excited events in the sport of hockey is returning. Get set for the World Cup of Hockey, and International event that will feature eight teams. With your World Cup Hockey Guide you can get tickets to any and all of the 17 games, plus four pre-tournament games, beginning Sept. 9 at the Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. Tickets to the pre-tournament game start at $42. The first official tournament game is Sept. 17 when the USA team plays Europe. Tickets start at $68. All regular World Cup games will be held in Toronto, Canada’s Air Canada Centre.

Originally known as the Canada Cup from 1976 through 1991, the World Cup is now an NHL-sanctioned tournament. Though it hasn’t been held since 2004 when Canada defeated Finland for the championship. Going forward, the World Cup of Hockey will be held every four years.

This year’s lineup of teams is Canada, United States, Russia, Sweden, Finland, Czech Republic, Team North America (players under age 23) and Team Europe (players under age 23). Each team has 20 skaters and three goalkeepers. The eight teams will be divided into two groups where each the teams will play in knockout-style games. Qualifying teams will advance to the semifinals and then finals with games to be played Sept. 24, 25 and Sept. 27, 29 and Oct. 1, respectively.

Because the tournament will be held before the start of the NHL season, professional players will be available for the games. This means you can get a live look at the world’s most talented, skilled hockey players in a heated, competitive atmosphere. There’s nothing like watching these amazing athletes on the ice displaying their unmatched abilities. You definitely won’t want to miss the World Cup of Hockey before it goes away for another four years. Don’t miss out on the amazing action.